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LIGHTBODY, (Cynthia) Marietta

(nee Anderson)

 

With sadness we announce that Marietta passed away peacefully, on July 21, in her home, after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Walley, her children, Cathy (Gordon), Michael (Carmen), Sarah, and Peter (Brenda), and her sisters, Genevieve and Cynthia. She will always live in the happy memories of her grandchildren, Emma, Cynthia, Kylee, Robin, Nelsen, James, Jessica, and Sarah-Jo, along with nieces, nephews and extended family.

 

Marietta was born in Vancouver in 1937 to Catherine and Walter Anderson and grew up in Kelowna. During high school she taught swimming, competed in ornamental swimming, played piano and oboe, and loved Scottish dancing with her friends. She made her own clothes and numerous dresses for sisters and friends. Over her life Marietta produced hundreds of exquisitely knitted or crocheted sweaters, blankets, pillows, and lace trims.

 

Marietta graduated in Home-Economics at UBC, where she met Walley, a law student, whom she married in 1960, and their love grew deeply. She enjoyed a teaching career, which she gave up to raise her children. For 28 years Marietta and Walley lived on the waterfront of West Vancouver, cultivating long-lasting friendships and hosting parties and Sunday dinners featuring unforgettable gravy and blackberry pie.

 

In 1994 Marietta convinced Walley to move to her lakeside childhood home in Kelowna. For 15 years Marietta and Walley hosted a Canada Day garden party. They organized an annual tennis and bocce tournament which raised over a half million dollars for the Kelowna Hospital Foundation to which she served as a director from 2000 to 2006. In her work with the Kelowna Heritage Society Marietta was an outspoken activist, and gave tours of the Abbott Street Heritage and Conservation area that she helped establish. For her community work she received in 2010 the distinguished service award from Central Okanagan Heritage Society, and in 2013 the Okanagan Community Builder Award from UBC Okanagan Alumni. Marietta loved politics and was an active supporter of the Federal Liberal Party.

 

Marietta will be remembered for her quick sense of humour, tremendous personal style, active interest in current issues, and her kindness. A service will be held at First United Church, Kelowna on Friday, August 5 at 3:00 PM. Reception to follow at 2302 Abbott Street. Thank you to all her dear friends for the love you have shown over the past few difficult months. In lieu of flowers donations will be gratefully received by the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. 

Condolences may be sent to the family by visitingwww.springfieldfuneralhome.com

250-860-7077.



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